MANHATTAN: Live On Larry Levan Way

From the live stream site:

Larry Levan elevated DJing to an artform at New York’s Paradise Garage. As part of the local initiative to rename King Street Larry Levan Way, the Red Bull Music Academy is proud to pay tribute to Levan’s legacy with the Larry Levan Street Party. Join us as we turn King Street between Varick and Hudson into Larry Levan Way for one day along with François Kevorkian, David DePino, Joey Llanos and some very special guests.As the legendary DJ of the Paradise Garage, Larry Levan was revered for his musical journeys, gaining a loyal following in the gay and straight communities alike. As one of the first DJs to perform worldwide and one of the first DJs to develop and own his own record label, Larry Levan was a true pioneer in the dance music industry. The overwhelming message of love and positivity that Levan shared through his music broke down barriers in the dance music scene and beyond. Levan's remixes and productions for revered artists such as Aretha Franklin, Grace Jones, Chaka Khan, Smokey Robinson, and Jocelyn Brown continue to be treasured today by DJs all over the world. It is because of this legacy that a petition has started, requesting that the section of King Street between Varick and Hudson Streets be renamed Larry Levan Way.

Billboard has more about the street naming battle. Hit the top link and enjoy the gorgeous music and the fabulous dancers.

This Saturday In New York City

Advance tickets here.

This Saturday In New York City

From the producers of Trippin' On The Moon comes this Saturday's tribute party honoring the late West End Records disco pioneer Mel Cheren and the Paradise Garage. Get tickets here. Taana Gardner and Jellybean Benitez!

"Godfather Of Disco", Mel Cheren Has Died

Clubland was rocked this weekend by the news that Mel Cheren, the "Godfather Of Disco", has died from complications of AIDS. Cheren provided the financial backing to open legendary gay nightclub the Paradise Garage, and founded seminal dance music label West End Records. Earlier this year, Cheren's biography, My Life and the Paradise Garage: Keep On Dancin', was turned into the documentary film The Godfather Of Disco.

Cheren became well known for his charity work and in 1987 formed 24 Hours For Life, a not-for-profit organization of media and music professionals which produced fundraising events for AIDS relief and education. A true renaissance man, Cheren was also an accomplished painter -five album covers that he created were nominated for Grammys and much of his artwork hangs the Colonial House Inn, the award-winning Chelsea bed & breakfast he owned.

Last night Rich Morel and I reminisced about West End Records and its many classic tracks: Shirley Lites' Heat You Up (Melt You Down), Raw Silks' Do It To The Music, Loose Joints' Is It All Over My Face. Later, at the Eagle, DJ Paul Ferrer played a brief tribute set for Cheren, including one of the most influential records in dance music history, Taana Gardner's Heartbeat, a track made famous by Paradise Garage DJ and Cheren protege' Larry Levan. Here is a clip from the documentary, West End Records: History In The Making.